The interesting stuff is upstairs! Understandably the digital displays downstairs are off limits (Covid). I really was surprised by the Kem Et exhibition upstairs and so much more.

A truly in-depth and educational way to learn more about slavery and the extremely harsh conditions slaves had to endure while having their freedom completely stripped away from them. Youll learn a lot about the slave trade and slave voyages. This is the oldest slave lodge in South Africa and has been converted into a building for educational purposes. The museum spans 2 floors. A must visit if youre a history buff.

A must visit. Beautifully maintained museum with many intresting information.Please add guided tours so that people understand what they are looking at as younger kids might not be able to read and understand all.

A must visit destination when travelling to Cape Town. A reflective documentation of the Citys foundations and an honest memorial to honour the lives of those who suffered and built the beautiful city known as Cape Town.

Its one of those places that you cant visit quickly. You need time to take in the horror that humans have done to other humans.The layout is logical and there are several multimedia exhibits to talk you through the history.You cant help but be overcome by the strength of the human spirit.And... See if you can spot the grammar error on the Coat of Arms display.Clean toilets and wheelchair for those who need it.Low entry cost

An interesting and dignified tribute to all those involved in the slave trade. Lots to read and very informative. Some excellent exhibits of music influenced by the slave trade. Well worth a visit if youre in Cape Town

Learnt so much and remembered what I forgot. Building needs some tlc

Great On Slave and Struggle Histiry of South Africa. Just Disappointing to see that the Khoi/San history do not feature as prominently in this Museum. An opportunity missed toTo raise the history of the first Nation in South Africa

I loved it. Learning about the events in history from a Capetonian perspective was eye opening to say the least. Recommend every citizen to visit this museum.

Really a eye opener one needs to go to appreciate the history culture and the diversity that it all brings together and at the end of the day its history

This museum covered vast amounts of history. I visited during COVID, so while some of the exhibits were closed, I still wasnt disappointed!There were personal stories and videos that helped you understand the everyday lives of a slave while also giving an overview of the Dutch influence as a whole.I also really enjoyed the music room where if showed the struggle of Apartheid through protest music.

It is a very interesting museum that talk about a subject that not many people like to see or know about !! It has many points about history and for those that dont know the kinds of slaves at the actual time...

5/5. Excellent museum to understand history of slavery. A must-see in Cape Town.

Basic instalations, expected a little more realism and many visit a cell how it was then. Interesting how it explains it all.

My partner and I decided to visit, as we are lifelong Cape Town residents and have never been to the Slave Lodge. We visited on 8 January 2021, a very hot Friday. We arrived at around midday, knowing that the lodge closes at 14h30, and thinking that we will have at least 2 hours to explore and be enlightened. When we got to the door, we were informed that the lodge was closed for lunch, and will be reopening at 13h00. This was disappointing, but ok, we sucked it up and waited.When 13h00 came around, there were quite a few people waiting to get into the establishment. Due to COVID-19 protocols, this took some time. When we eventually got into the establishment, we started reading and walking around. There is so much history and reading to enjoy. We continued and explored all the areas there are to explore, or rather that we could explore. There were quite a few installations that were not in operation, but that is fine, and is expected to a degree.My partner and I were fully engrossed, taking everything in, spending time. It was great, for the most part. Quite a few of the rooms and installations didnt have sufficient lighting. One particular room had a video playing off a projector, and no indication of what it represents. Eventually we found a few printouts, in an obscure corner, indicating that it was an artists depiction of women in mourning. I felt that there was no flow to the layout of the museum, there was no suggested path, there was no indication of where to start or where to end.We continued, and eventually decided to leave as there was little time left and lots still to explore. We got to the exit at 14h25, and at that point the doors were closed and locked already. There is no reminder (audible or otherwise) that the museum is closing or anything. The staff had to reopen the doors, remove padlocks, to let us out. I am not sure if there might have been more people in the museum, but this was not a good look from my point of view.Either way, I would be interested in visiting again, as I think this sort of establishment has lots to offer and is a good reminder of our collective history.

Very emotional experience, this museum is the only (real) surviving slaves lodge in cape town. It is a must visit when you are in capetown. Their story must be remembered and known from all around.

A deeper look into the dark part of South African history and slavery, it was a very painful but profound experience visiting the slave lodge museum. I must see when visiting Cape Town!

Brilliant museum enjoyed by the whole family. Very informative and eye opening.

Its hard to visit this museum without bring really emotional. It is a lot to read and comprehend. The best part was the really emotional stories about some of the slaves. I almost had a hard time understanding that this actually happened (still is) :( Some felt almost like fiction. I would have wanted something more for children, there was some interactive game where they searched for sunken parts from ships but I would have wanted something more serious but on their level. I think the big boards in the beginning was good with short information which was great to translate.

Especially the story of slave trade is told in a heart wrenching manner. The second floor is more a random collection of artifacts from different times.

Sombre experience walking in the place where my ancestors were sold. I enjoyed the displays and the section on Apartheid and Student protests were a welcome surprise. #AlutaContinua

Place where by you can know about history of South Africa and other countries of Africa. The most thing I didnt know how important in the history of South Africa its music its so nice.

A wonderful display of the atrocities of our past history.Praise God that things have changed for the better!

Alot of things to read and see.

Went on a Sunday...although online it says they are open...not true. But Ill go back Tuesday.

Beautiful part of history, all South Africans must take time to visit

The history is rich, nevertheless painful to see how it was so easy for oppressors to use and abuse others as if their lives were any less than theirs.I want my kids to come see how far we come and still how far we have to go to achieve freedom.

A must place to visit. Interesting things to learn from our history

Had such a good time visiting the slave lodge. Loved the different exhibitions.

Great place to find out about slavery around the world and get a general gist of it. But one can also find a more nuanced picture of slavery in South Africa. It touches on race and gender relations in slavery. It also has individual stories with pictures of those people. Interesting! Informative!

A journey into our pain past as well as our transition into democracy walking through the museum offers an insight into the dehumanization of human beings and the great cost and deep scars it has left on the countless souls that has endured this horrific experience.

Incredibly informative, mind-blowing, and such a cheap entrance fee! I think it was only about 50R/£2-3. My ignorance about slavery was seemingly transformed into knowledge after seeing this superb exhibition. Staff were very friendly. Its located in the CBD so food and drink are everywhere if you need a break. To be honest, I think i only managed to see half, so much to read, has to be in your list of places to see if you visit Cape Town. Theres even a simplified explanation of how to speak Xhosa which is not that easy at all! Loved it though.

It tells the history of my people and gives one a sense of belonging and pride. Cape Town was built on the backs of slaves

This is definitely worth visiting. It explores the evils of slave trading, transformation and freedom.

Very borring displays and most of the interactives was off due to Covid but we still paid full price

Well organized and documented. Interesting to learn history all over again especially parts forgotten

This was an emotional ride for me being a so called colored as it took me on a journey of discovery. A place to add on your list of Cape Town visits as it not only tells a story of the past but our modern day scourge of human trafficking and abuse.

Interesting know more about slavery.

Beautiful artwork

Very humbling experience. Good to know all aspects of Cape Town. Dont be in a hurry when you go through here.

Amazing place to learn about South African history and the staff is very friendly and welcoming

Very informative and educational.Staff are kind helpful and very knowledgeable.COVID protacal where adhered very strickly. 👍

The Slave Lodge is a South African social history museum located in Cape Town. It has been on its present site in the Companys Garden.

Locals and visitors must see it to experience what Apartheid was all about

This is a fantastic museum. It’s insightful and full of history with such perspective into Cape Towns past.

There was so much I didn’t know but thought I did. What a great experience and eye opening exhibits.Also, don’t miss the display about the South African flag. It’s in the corridor leading to the outside courtyard.I only hope this museum expands with further research and more exhibits.

An important stop on any visit to Cape Town, they have put together the whole story of the slaves that helped build this city, and colonize the Cape. Some of the stories are hard to face, considering the horrific cruelty, suffering, and inhumanity of the very idea, let alone the reality - but it is important to acknowledge this reality, and take the time to remember their lives. The museum itself is a little repetitive, telling the same story over and over again, with little variation, but the story does come to life, and overall it is successful.

Nice and cheap

As a black person it is always incredibly hard and personal to visit museums dedicated to the history of Slavery, and this one was no exception. Yet I think it is paramount to understand the implications this horrible chapter of human history has had and continues to have on the daily lives of the Black Diaspora and other POC.When I visited in Jan 2019, the main exhibition focused on the Indian Ocean Slave Trade, which involved indentured servants form the Asiatic Subcontinent and its islands and slaves from East Africa.The building itself was unfortunately poorly lit and the path not clearly laid out, but the content was interesting, thorough and well presented. Especially powerful was a rotating column of light with the names of slaves.

Really interesting visit. Learnt a lot on the colored community and how slaves were treated. A must see if interested in history

If you are downtown, this museum is worth a short visit. Stick to the first floor exhibit on slavery. It was interesting to learn names that were given to slaves. Being in the space where they were detailed after arrival adds resonance to the displays. Upstairs displays are fairly random collections and can be skipped.

This is a great museum with a large collection of exhibits to see and an excellent history of the slave trade in Africa. There are also a variety of other subjects covered as well. You get a good amount of content here and the exhibits are well-made.

A truly fantastic museum. Very low entry fee but so much content inside and all arranged in a logical order with each room within the museum sparse enough for you to walk around and take in all the information on offer. Its a lot larger than it initially seems so give yourselves a good hour and a half to walk around. It really brings home the hardships and sufferings endured.

Well curated installations but not very well lit. Some equipment not working but everything is self explanatory. You could easily spend the whole day walking around trying to view every installation.

Very good but very depressing. Imported to visit though. There was unfinished construction/renovation to some exhibits. It sort of fizzled the experience out. Leaves you kind of lost. Unless thats the point. Airy feeling.

In the heart of the mother City in Aderly street cape Town near the public gardens. A visit will certainly enrich your cultural and historical knowledge about the mother City

My wife and I went there and had a very sacred and informative experience there. I say sacred because of the personal connection we suddenly felt with the people who were held in those buildings. Their stories and their lives touched us so much. We learned something very valuable there. I found myself wondering why I have never gone there sooner. I think it would help anybody to gain perspective on history even if it does not affect their families directly. Id like to go there more just to have time to take in more detail. We spent about two hours but it still felt rushed.

Really interesting building and displays. Steeped in history and well preserved. Would definitely recommend

Didnt know this place existed....great and super informative about the Slave trade in the Cape. A wonderful display as well on Music and its role in the liberation struggle. entrance was R30 worth every rand....so much to see, so much to learn...

A great time was had by all in the group on this historical tour. It was great hearing about the history of slaves I the Cape and about the VOC.

Exist - this is strong point, and biggest benefit of this place - unfortunatly only one. Boring, repetite, mostly texts on the walls - and reading is not the reason why I visited museum... nothing what really is worthy to spend time in such interesting country.

Full of history. Heartbreaking stories of South Africas apertheid history. You truly understand the value of a person. Hope such things will never happen again in any place. Must become colour blind against racists.

Very informative and quite emotional as to what some of our ancestors went through.

Im someone who really enjoys learning about history and culture, so I really enjoyed wandering through the exhibit halls of the slave lodge. It does a great job of not only covering the history of slavery worldwide, but also educating visitors on the kinds of slavery that still exist in our world presently. Upstairs, I was even more pleasantly surprised to find a collection of silver (and other historical items on display). I visited both temporary exhibits, the one on Shweshwe fabric and the one of the record albums. Very well done. My only hesitation is that really young children might not be able to fully appreciate this museum.

Great space to perform. My first visit to this museum was to be a part of a live performance. Stunning atmosphere which captivated the audience.

Interesting museum with mostly Dutch artifacts. Seems like too much reading and the storyline doesnt follow a logical path at times. The apartheid exhibit at the top was the most heart wrenching.

Worth to visit for small amount of entrance.

Really interesting museum, learned a lot. Only thing is that there are several exhibition and therefore a little confusing..

Iziko is doing a great job with Cape Town museums. They are all worth visiting.

Excellent history of slavery. A must-see for any activist and for all students. In fact for anyone wanting to know how Cape town was built, highly recommended.

Very well presented, although signposting could be better.I feel an eerie connection to this place as some of my ancestors were born here.

Very interesting!It can entertain you even more than 2 hours.Very cheap price

Thought provoking museum. Most of the slave trade is well documented but there are still a few surprises in this building

It makes you understand the history of people of South Africa. Being at the lodge makes you understand how history still impacts on people today.

Slave history is repetitive with only a few bits that are really interesting. Not representative of all views. The top floor holds a gem though : a lovely exhibition of isishweshwe and its history. Staff moderately friendly and helpful.

A must see to understand the history of the Mother City

A moving exhibition on the sad history of slavery. Definitely worth a visit. The 2 important narratives in recent South African history is Slavery and Apartheid and this museum gives you a good understanding of the former.

Interesting and informative. Liked the photo exhibit done by the people living with hiv. Highly recommended.

It was a slightly disapointing visit.Some of the halls were showing the gistory and stories of slave and slave trade (not enough in my opinion). Other halls were about AIDS and as much as it is important, it wasnt what we came for...Summary - it was moderately interesting...If you have extra time, go see it. Do not put it in your high priority list...

First Augmented Reality exhibit in South Africa. A must see.

Very emotional and yet so much rich history one can learn from this place, worth checking out when in Cape Town.

The Iziko Slave lodge was built and completed in 1679 the same year that the Castle of Good Hope was completed. It housed the slaves that were the property of the Dutch East India Company. These slaves were brought in from Madagascar and Java initially and then later from Malaysia Indonesia , Angola and also from Mozambique. Slaves worked as wet nurses, bricklayers, coopers, masons, silversmiths and fruit and fish vendors. Slaves belonging to the Dutch East India Company worked in the Company Gardens planted to supply Dutch Ships with fresh fruit and veg and also fresh water from the Camissa river. Others worked in and built the Town. The dismal state and appalling inhumane conditions of the slave lodge were reported throughout the 17th and 18th century. It was eventually closed down shortly after the second British occupation in 1806.

The museum is done really well. Despite the sad history of the place it does provide you great insight on how life was for slaves in the area.

A fascinating night into the dark history of slavery. This is one of the oldest and most historical buildings in Cape Town. It also houses an Impressive silver collection as well as a Textile and Music exhibition.

The museum has upped its game. Its informative and is a must for visitors who want to learn more about slavery in the Cape. It can be an emotional experience but it is well worth visiting.

Make note the museum closes at 5 as we had to rush through the end. Very informative and sad - important that there is a museum for this purpose

Fantastic museum, amazing narrative journey through the role slavery played in the making of the Cape Colony and South Africa as a whole only strengthened by being in a building that was a key part of the infrastructure of Slavery in the Colony.Emphasis on the need to celebrate who these slaves were and the how they build the country through the sweat of their labour and suffering very poignant.If you have anytime while in Cape Town visit

It was great to see our dark past and compare it to how things have change.

A heartbreaking experience but very necessary. Educational. We need more places like this that show the suffering of our people. I am sad we arrived late, under an hour before closing but I will be back. It needs to be updated and add Libyan slavery.

The ground floor level is cool and informative, but the exhibits upstairs are straight up strange.

The history contained in this building is phenomenal and extremely interesting, especially for those who are concerned with understanding the present/past dilemma of this beautiful country, that is South Africa.

Well laid out and informative. A must see for tourists.

Free on youth day. Very informative. Sad reality of the past

Lovely museum, gives student discount if you bring your card

Historic place of interest. Acknowledges SAs slave roots

Interesting with many stories abut the slaves. Some personal experience are told.

Not what I was expecting. Some more info about the building would be nice. Expected more info on the slavery aspect. Some very good artifacts

There are displays and history of slaves in South Africa, the Cape to be exact.

A definite must. Would of loved to spend more time

The slave lodge explains the history of Cape Town in terms of the Dutch and the British colonial power which causes trade and humiliation of slaves around the 17th century. The concept draws you into the deeply sad events of this time. Take your time for your visit, youll probably need about 2 hours.